Local News

Twin County Regional Hospital in Galax was one of 844 hospitals to receive an “A” from Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades, ranking it among the safest hospitals in the United States.

The Leapfrog Group, a national patient safety watchdog, assigns A, B, C, D and F letter grades to hospitals nationwide and provides the most complete picture of patient safety in the U.S., according to a news release from the hospital.

WOODLAWN — Appalachian Power is partnering with the Blue Ridge Crossroads Economic Development Authority to bring a more robust power source to the Wildwood Commerce Park and increase its development potential as a business location for southwestern Virginia, according to a news release from the utility.

INDEPENDENCE – A Grayson County Circuit Court grand jury indicted 27 people on a total of 40 charges on Oct. 28, and returned several sealed indictments that will be opened at a later date, after those named have been served with warrants.

Among those indicted was Lee Johnson Smith, 31, of Dugspur, who is charged with eluding police, disregarding a command to stop and assault on a law enforcement officer (Cpl. T.R. Jefferson of the Grayson County Sheriff’s Department).

HILLSVILLE – A public hearing was held Oct. 27 regarding the fate of the Southwestern Virginia Training Center. A special joint subcommittee of the Virginia Senate Finance Committee came to Hillsville to tour the facility and host a public hearing to hear comments from citizens and local officials.

INDEPENDENCE —Tracy A. “Zeke” Anderson, one of four candidates campaigning to fill the Grayson County School Board’s at-large member seat, hopes to provide a voice for the students, parents and teachers in the Grayson County school system if he is elected.

HILLSVILLE — The Town of Hillsville has approved a financing agreement with Carter Bank & Trust to buy two new police cars.

The lease-purchase agreement, which has a 1.5 percent interest rate, is for $58,271 and will pay for two 2016 Dodge Chargers. The new cars will replace older vehicles.

Town Manager Retta Jackson told town council members at their Oct. 24 meeting that this is the second phase of a new vehicle purchase for the police department. Hillsville bought two other cars in June, for a total of $57,000.